MOLLOY UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS - GRADUATE

COURSE OUTLINE

BUS 5560 01 Spring I 2023 Professor John D. Catalano, DrPH, MPA

Economic Evaluations for Healthcare Office: (516) 323-3098
Asynchronous Online Class Delivery Cell: (516) 351-3071
This class runs from January 19, 2023 Fax: (516) 323-3085
to March 2, 2023 Email: jcatalano2@molloy.edu
Location: Online Office: School of Business, Casey 103
Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description
Healthcare Economics will explore economic concepts on the micro and macro levels. The laws of supply
and demand will be explored as they relate to the healthcare environment. Current issues of health
insurance, uncompensated care, chronic disease management, methods of delivery, costs, pricing, and
financing of health services will be explored while noting the micro and macroeconomic environment. The
economic value of research and development, innovation, cost structures, physician specialization,
utilization of mid-level practitioners, medical homes and prevention will be closely addressed.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Describe the micro and macro-economic environment of healthcare.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the interaction of the laws of supply and demand in relationship to
regulation and legal requirements for provision of health services.
• Identify revenue and finance sources for health services.
• Describe the methods of cost benefits analysis, cost effectiveness analysis and other economic
assessments of value.
• Explore the economic aspects of current trends and issues in healthcare.
• Read and interpret economic charts and graphs that illustrate the healthcare economy.
• Effectively use written and oral communication in a business environment.
Assessment: Lectures, experiential exercises, case analyses, research papers, presentations, and
examinations.
Course Materials

Textbook
Health Economics. Jay Bhattacharya, Timothy Hyde & Peter Tu. ISBN 978-1137029966

Supplemental Book
Who Shall Live? Health, Economics And Social Choice (2nd Expanded Edition). Victor Fuchs. ISBN 978-
9814354882

Program Delivery
This graduate class is fully online, delivered as a 7-week immersion section. This syllabus outlines the
topics in each session and the deliverables. This class will be delivered in asynchronous online modules.
Documents, articles, lectures, and presentation slides are available on the Canvas LMS System. The course
design facilitates an adult learning experience. You are responsible for reading and understanding the
syllabus, the textbook material, and the featured cases. Deadlines are firm. I encourage you to share your
professional experiences. Working in teams, online discussions, writing papers, and presenting are the
primary components of this course. This course is required; a B- or higher is required.

Required Skills
This course includes individual and/or team presentations as well as writing assignments that demand
graduate-level speaking and writing skills. Note 1: A student with a chronic illness or a documented
disability who believes that he or she needs an accommodation should contact Cari Rose-Tomo in the
Disabilities Support Service Office, C011, so that appropriate accommodations can be considered. Note 2:
Graduate students tutor their peers via the Academic Enrichment Program (AcE). Contact Coordinator,
Kimberly Havens, in C019. Note 3: Students can get assistance from the Writing Center (it is advised that
students make an appointment - Casey 016).

Accommodations
Molloy College has a continuing commitment to providing reasonable accommodations for any student
with a documented disability or chronic illness. Like so many things this semester, the need for
accommodations and the process for arranging them may be altered by the COVID-19 changes we are
experiencing and the safety protocols currently in place. Students who may need accommodations in order
to fully participate in this class are urged to contact Disability Support Services (DSS/STEEP) at
dss@molloy.edu, as soon as possible.

Attendance Policy
It is the accepted practice at Molloy College that faculty take attendance in all courses. Students should
notify faculty if an absence is necessary as the result of a serious situation. Failure to attend class for two
(2) consecutive weeks at any point in the semester, without notification of extenuating circumstances, will
result in an administrative withdrawal from the course. Administrative withdrawal results in removal from
the course with a grade of "WA" or "WF" determined by the point in the term and the academic
performance. Students should consult the College catalog for complete details regarding withdrawals and
the potential financial implications of a withdrawal.

If a required synchronous class meeting is missed, 10 points of the 100 points system will be lost. If a
student does not attend a group meeting or does not participate in a group assignment, then 10 points is lost
for each missed meeting.
Access to Canvas
Any problems, you can reach Canvas support by calling 1-844-408-6455, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
Also, please watch this video to access Canvas: https://youtu.be/Yxsj4eVV30A

Communicating Across the Curriculum

Percentage of Grade Involving Evaluation of Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking Skills: 80%

Student Assessment
Module Assignments 20%
Book Reflection and Discussion 40%
Class Participation 10%
Group Case Study Project 30%
Total 100%

Course Requirements and Assignments

Module Assignments: 20% for the student’s assigned module assignment; 20% of final grade
There will be module assignments due for 4-modules of the course. Each student will be assigned to a
group, and that group will be responsible to present answers/solutions to the module assignment for their
respective week on the discussion board. All students are expected to complete the weekly module
assignments; however, unless you are presenting you are not required to submit your module assignment.
Each student will be required to present one time during the semester.

Class Participation: 10% of final grade

Creating a lively and engaging class environment is critical to the learning process. As such, all students
are expected to share their experiences and perspectives in an open and respectful manner on the discussion
board. Thoughtful input is expected of every student in every class…our class environment will allow us to
all learn from each other and provide a truly enriching educational experience.

Individual Book Reflection and Discussion: 40% of final grade

Each student will read the book Who Shall Live? By Victor Fuchs. You will then write a 4-6 page
reflection on the book. Your reflection should explore no fewer than 5 key concepts/epiphanies that you
took away from the book. I am expecting a critical analysis of those takeaways, as well as your thoughts
about how the book has informed your thinking about how healthcare economics impacts the delivery of
healthcare services. Reflections are due no later than 11:59 p.m. the day before Module 6.
Group Case Study Assignment: 30% of final grade
This assignment involves a critical analysis of case studies that will be provided in Module 3. Students will
be put into groups and will be required to answer several questions posed in the case study rubric, as well
as make recommendations based upon concepts learned during the course. Groups will use VoiceThread to
record a PowerPoint presentation and post it to Canvas no later than 11:59 p.m. on the day before Module
#7.

Paper Submission Process/Plagiarism

“Plagiarism involves using words or ideas, orally or in a paper, obtained in books, articles, the Internet,
interviews, radio, or TV programs, without appropriate citation. It also includes the following: Presenting
someone else’s words or ideas as one’s own in a paper or exam without acknowledgement; incorporating
published passages into a paper without quotation marks or footnotes; quoting word-for-word from a
source without using quotation marks; a citation, or a reference. Handing in another’s paper as one’s own;
reusing papers” (Molloy College, Academic Integrity).
Turnitin is plagiarism software that is integrated into Canvas. It will identify digital material that matches
the text in your paper. Please do not cut and paste any material into your paper. Synthesize the knowledge
from the sources. Use your own voice to express the knowledge gained from your research. Always
attribute knowledge to its original authors. You must paraphrase all information as well as cite the sources
within the narrative of the paper. All bibliographic references listed at the end of the paper must be cited
within the paper to link the reference to the information you used.

Writing Graduate Level Papers

Writing for business requires advanced skill. Readers desire clarity, brevity, simplicity and humanity
(Zinsser 1976, 1990). Reduce redundancy in writing. Ensure that every word matters to the reader.
Business writing requires tremendous care and respect for the reader’s time. Editing and re-editing is
required.

Please do not use a textbook or an encyclopedia as sources. They are great for getting an overview of a
topic, and perhaps for a definition, but they are inappropriate scholarly sources for a graduate paper.
Please do not cut and paste material from sources. I am interested in hearing your voice, an intelligent
summarization of the material, and an expression of critical and valuable ideas and interpretations. The
papers must reflect both depth and breadth. You can paraphrase, but please do not directly use verbatim
others’ words. If you do use others’ words, it is difficult to evaluate your assimilation of the knowledge,
and your writing style and skill. Be sure to properly cite the ideas within your papers using the author/date
style (no footnotes). This means, if you gain knowledge from reading a source, you must attribute the
knowledge you gained to the author by citing the source – even if you do not directly quote the material.
This is an essential component of your grade.

Please prepare a bibliography (list of works cited) to be included at the end of your papers (e.g., Chicago
Style, APA). It is required that the ideas presented in the papers are tied to their original sources (even
when you are not directly quoting). A source should not be listed in the bibliography if it is not cited in the
narrative of the paper. The in-text citing of sources should follow the author/date style. The author’s last
name and year of publication should appear in the narrative of the paper (author/date style) directly
following the information used. If a quote is used, the page # should be included in the text citation (Jones
2003, 73). Please remember that quotation marks are required around any words that are directly cited,
word for word, from the source.

The bibliographic references should be listed in alphabetical order at the end of the paper. Do not use
bullets or numbers to list your sources in the bibliography. No footnotes. Online sources must reflect full
bibliographic detail and the date last accessed online. URLs are not appropriate to cite in-text sources. The
in-text citation must match the reference listed in the bibliography. For example, do not show the source
(Newsweek 2014), in the narrative of the paper. Rather, the author’s last name must be used. If the
author’s last name is not known, the title of the paper should be used in its place.
If you are unfamiliar with developing a bibliography or citing sources, please contact the Molloy College
library reference desk, or you can contact me.

In summary, the papers should be concise and well written (I recommend editing and re-editing your paper
before submitting). Grammar, spelling, formatting, punctuation and citation style are all part of the grade.
Avoid using contractions. The paper formatting is to include 12-point Times New Roman font, 1” margins,
pagination, single line spacing, and a full line space between paragraphs. Your paper title and your name
should be included on the top of the 1st page of your paper (please do not add a separate cover sheet). Your
bibliography should begin immediately following your closing paragraph. Your grade will be reduced if
you submit late. Zinsser, William, (1976, 1990). On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing
Nonfiction. New York: HarperCollins. [http://www.openculture.com/2015/05/10-writing-tips-from-
legendary-writing-teacher-william-zinsser.html#comment-2244027] date last viewed 11.5.17.

Developing PowerPoint Slides

The developed slides should be a useful prop for your presentation. Little to absolutely no words should fill
your slides; rather, images, graphs, photographs, drawings, charts, and word art, can define your
presentation slides that accompany YOU as the most important aspect of the talk. Color, attractiveness,
transition, relevance, etc., will all be evaluated.

Grades and Student Integrity

Coursework is ultimately evaluated on a letter grade basis. A grade is only as good as it represents a
student's accomplishments; therefore, students are expected to comply with the Academic Integrity Policy.
B- is the lowest grade acceptable to gain credit for this course. The numerical equivalents and quality
points are:

A 93-100 4.00
A- 90-92.9 3.70
B+ 87-89.9 3.30
B 83-86.9 3.00
B- 80-82.9 2.70
F 72.9-0 0.00

Paper Submission Process/Plagiarism:

“Plagiarism involves using words or ideas, orally or in a paper, obtained in books, articles, the Internet,
interviews, radio, or TV programs, without appropriate citation. It also includes the following: Presenting
someone else’s words or ideas as one’s own in a paper or exam without acknowledgement, incorporating
published passages into a paper without quotation marks or footnotes, quoting word-for-word from a
source without using quotation marks, a citation, or a reference. Handing in another’s paper or project as
one’s own or reusing papers” (Molloy College, Academic Integrity).
Turnitin technology is integrated into the Canvas system. This web-based resource compares the text of
your work with that from an extensive electronic database, thus identifying digital material that matches the
text in your paper. Please do not cut and paste any material into your paper. Synthesize the knowledge from
the sources you use to research your paper’s topic. Use your own voice to express the knowledge gained
from your research. Always attribute knowledge to its original authors. You must paraphrase all
information as well as cite the sources within the narrative of the paper. All bibliographic references listed
at the end of the paper must be properly cited within the paper to link the reference to the information you
used.
This course also will extensively use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets as a computational and modeling tool.
Although you may work with your peers on homework assignments, please create your own spreadsheet
and do your own work. Plagiarism includes the sharing of any Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file, on any
assignment (e.g., homework, quizzes, case study analysis).
Any form of plagiarism will lead to a failing grade.

Email Accounts
Each student is required to maintain a Lions.molloy.edu email account and to check the email regularly.
Many students use a non-Molloy account and as a result, may miss messages. If you use a preferred
account, then you may wish to auto-forward your Lions.Molloy.edu email account. Open the Gmail
account that you want to forward from.
1. At the top right, click the gear icon.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
4. Click Add a forwarding address in the “Forwarding” section.
5. Enter the email address you want to forward to.
6. For your security, we'll send a verification email to that address. Open your other email account and find
the confirmation message from the Gmail team. If you’re having trouble finding it, check your Spam
folder.
7. Click the verification link in that email. Back in your Gmail account, reload the page in your web
browser - look for the reload icon.
8. On the same Forwarding and POP/IMAP page in Settings, check that Forward a copy of incoming
mail is selected and your email address is in the drop-down menu.
9. In the 2nd drop-down menu, choose what you want Gmail to do with your messages after they’re
forwarded, such as keep Gmail’s copy in the Inbox (recommended) or archive Gmail’s copy.
10. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.
https://support.google.com/mail/answer/10957?hl=en
Note 1: emails will be forwarded from Molloy email to preferred account, but these emails will not be
deleted from the student’s Molloy inbox. Note 2: any emails sent to me should be from the Molloy email
account.

Education…
“means bringing students into a multiplicity of competing ideas and world views, perspectives and
traditions, preparing them to navigate the path from a mono-cultural world to one of social complexity and
ambiguity. It assumes that college should be an arena for student self-formation, a place for them to shape
themselves as more fully realized individuals, good citizens [of the world], productive and compassionate
contributors to society.” (Alan Ray, 8/15/14, CHE, p.A56)

Dominican Education
Molloy College’s Dominican tradition of study, spirituality, service, and community, is committed to
academic excellence with respect for each person. We study to search for truth, find and correct errors and
to contemplate on our role. Spiritually we are shaped by our own personality and giftedness; meditation
and contemplation will take different forms for each person. In community we value diversity and
recognize our interdependence. We are directed and called to service to the world creating a common good.
Through transformative education, Molloy College promotes a lifelong search for truth and the
development of ethical leadership.
Netiquette
Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Something about cyberspace makes it easy for
people to forget that they are interacting with other real people. The following bullet points cover some
basics to communicating online:
• Be sensitive to the fact that there will be cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as different
political and religious beliefs, plus just differences in general.
• Use good taste when composing your responses in Discussion Forums. Swearing and profanity is
also part of being sensitive to your classmates and should be avoided. Also consider that slang can
be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
• Do not use all capital letters when composing your responses as this is considered “shouting” on the
Internet and is regarded as impolite or aggressive. It can also be stressful on the eye when trying to
read your message.
• Be respectful of your others’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking or insulting)
them as this can cause hurt feelings and decrease the chances of getting all different types of points
of view.
• Be careful when using acronyms. If you use an acronym it is best to spell out its meaning first, then
put the acronym in parentheses afterward, for example: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). After
that you can use the acronym freely throughout your message.
• Use good grammar and spelling, and avoid using text messaging shortcuts.

Computer Specifications for Use of Canvas

Canvas will work properly on most modern (5 years old or newer) computers and the mobile application
will run on iOS and Android devices. In order to ensure the best experience using Canvas, please use the
latest version of any popular web browser in conjunction with the latest versions of Flash and Java. Please
note that “Internet Explorer” may conflict with some content in Canvas. Firefox, Chrome or Safari are
more reliable options. A webcam is needed to participate in Conferences and for online proctoring. Please
make sure that you have access to a computer that is compatible with Canvas. Please remember that there
are several computer labs on campus that you can use. It is your responsibility to ensure access to adequate
equipment. For more information about supported browsers and software, please visit:
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1284

Technical Support at Molloy

• Canvas Support is accessed through the HELP feature in the lower left hand corner of Canvas. You
can either call Canvas at 844-408-6455 or use the online chat feature and both services are available
24 hours 7 days a week.
• Technology Support Services and The Information Commons are available to support students’
technology needs. Technology Support Services is located in Kellenberg 022 and can be reached
via phone: 516.323.4800, email: helpdesk@molloy.edu or twitter: @molloyTSS. The Information
Commons is located on the second floor of Public Square and can be reached at 516.323.4817 or
email: slewis2@molloy.edu. Check their website for hours: http://www.molloy.edu/tss.

Office of Blended/ Online Learning and Student Success

The Office of Blended/Online Learning and Student Success advances Molloy's education mission of
academic excellence to support the delivery of high-quality, student-centered programs in a variety of
formats by fostering innovative teaching and active learning. Our blended learning programs combine the
best of traditional classroom teaching and online learning.
Molloy offers a full range of Student Services and Support: http://www.molloy.edu/academics/flexible-
learning-opportunities/student-services-and-support

Classroom Recording Policy

It is not permitted for students to use their phone, or any other devices, to record or video another student
or professor without permission. The student understands and acknowledges that this is a critical
commitment to the collegiate experience at Molloy and any violation may become a subject of a
disciplinary action. Thus, recordings are only permitted if all participants are fully-informed that a
recording will be made. Faculty will not record students unless it is directly related to the course activity or
content (e.g., lecture capture, student presentations, synchronous session). The nature of the Business
Programs requires online tools, student interaction, and feedback, including recording. If you wish to
remain anonymous in these situations, please contact your professor by the second class meeting. Any
student who has not contacted the professor prior to the second class meeting will be deemed to have
consented to the recording.

Professionalism Abounds
As business students, you will need to demonstrate not only the acquisition of skills and knowledge, but
also a disposition toward professionalism. Professional behavior, ranges from attending ALL classes, to
handing in assignments on time to civility in language and behavior toward both your classmates and the
instructor. In addition, while the MBA program does not have an established dress code, it is expected that
students will remove headgear (both hats and hoods) during class time. [Note: If a head covering is related
to health or to a faith-based observation, it does not need to be removed.]
School of Business Mission and Vision Statement
Mission:
The School of Business blends transformative education, executive-based learning, and the Dominican
ideals of study, service, spirituality, and community in its preparation of the student for a meaningful
professional and personal life.

Vision:
Our aim is to be the School of Choice for students desiring an ethically-based, high-quality, socially
minded business education.

Course Assignments and Related Instructional Activities

Molloy's MBA classes follow the New York State Commissioner of Education’s Regulations as defined in
Section 50.1(o) Therefore 2,250 minutes of instructional time, and 4,500 minutes of supplementary
assignments, including readings, writing assignments for a total of 6,750 minutes are in each 3 credit
graduate class.

Class Schedule
This is a summary of the information provided in the syllabus. These pages are not intended to provide all
module details, but an organized list that allows each student to stay on track.
Module #1: Week beginning January 19, 2023
• Introductions.
• Syllabus review.
• Recorded presentation of Chapters 1, 2, and 4.
• Module assignments posted.

Homework required for Module #1:

• Obtain required text and book.
• Read Chapters 1, 2, and 4.
• Post introduction to discussion board.
• Watch recorded presentation.
• Check Canvas for module assignments.

Module #2: Week beginning January 26, 2023

• Module 1 assignment postings.
• Recorded presentation of Chapters 5 and 6.

Homework required for Module #2:

• Complete Module #1 assignment.
• Students assigned to Module #1 assignment post answers and comments to discussion board.
• All other students submit at least 1-comment/question on discussion board.
• Read Chapters 5 and 6.
• Watch recorded presentation.
• Begin reading “Who Shall Live.”

Module #3: Week beginning February 2, 2023

• Module 2 assignment postings.
• Recorded presentation of Chapters 7, 10, and 11.
• Group project teams selected.

Homework required for Module #3:

• Complete Module #2 assignment.
• Students assigned to Module #2 assignment post answers and comments to discussion board.
• All other students submit at least 1-comment/question on discussion board.
• Read Chapters 7, 10, and 11.
• Watch recorded presentation.
• Check Canvas for group assignments.
Module #4: Week beginning February 9, 2023
• Module 3 assignment postings.
• Recorded presentation of Chapters 12, 13, and 14.
• Group project teams meet.

Homework required for Module #4:

• Complete Module #3 assignment.
• Students assigned to Module #3 assignment post answers and comments to discussion board.
• All other students submit at least 1-comment/question on discussion board.
• Read Chapters 12, 13, and 14.
• Watch recorded presentation.
• Begin work on group project.

Module #5: Week beginning February 16, 2023

• Module 4 assignment postings.
• Recorded presentation of Chapters 15, 18, and 19.
• Group project teams meet.

Homework required for Module #5:

• Complete Module #4 assignment.
• Students assigned to Module #4 assignment post answers and comments to discussion board.
• All other students submit at least 1-comment/question on discussion board.
• Read Chapters 15, 18, and 19.
• Watch recorded presentation.
• Work on group project.

Module #6: Week beginning February 23, 2023

• Recorded presentation of Chapters 20 and 21.
• Full class discussion of “Who Shall Live” on discussion board.
• Group project teams meet.

Homework required for Module #6:

• Submit “Who Shall Live” reflection paper no later than May 1, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
• Every student is expected to post at least 1 key takeaway from “Who Shall Live” on the discussion
board.
• Every student is expected to post at least 2 comments about other students’ key takeaway posts on
the discussion board.
• Read Chapters 20 and 21.
• Continue working on Group Project.
• Watch recorded presentation.
Module #7: March 2, 2023
• Group Project VoiceThread PowerPoint presentations.
• Full class discussion of group project presentations.

Homework required for Module #7:

• Post final group project VoiceThread presentations by March 2, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
• Every student is expected to post at least 1 comment about each of the group project VoiceThread
presentations.